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Manchester Today
By the People, for the People
Strangers Raise Over $500K for Retired DoorDash Driver
A Tennessee woman's viral video campaign helped an elderly couple return to retirement after the husband had to take a delivery job to supplement their income.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:07pm
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After seeing doorbell footage of a 78-year-old DoorDash driver, Richard Pulley, carefully delivering an order to her home, a Tennessee woman named Brittany Smith started a GoFundMe campaign to help the elderly man and his wife, Brenda, who had returned to work to supplement their income. Within just two days, strangers had donated over $500,000 to the campaign, allowing the Pulleys to stop working and return to retirement.
Why it matters
The story highlights the financial struggles many older adults face, even after retirement, and the power of community support to make a real difference in people's lives. It also sheds light on the growing gig economy and the need for better social safety nets for seniors.
The details
Richard Pulley, a 78-year-old man, had returned to work as a DoorDash driver after his wife Brenda lost her job, in order to help supplement their income. When Brittany Smith captured footage of Richard carefully delivering her order and posted it online, asking for help to find him, the campaign quickly went viral. Within two days, strangers had donated over $500,000 to a GoFundMe page set up by Smith, allowing the Pulleys to stop working and return to retirement.
- On March 10, 2026, Brittany Smith captured footage of Richard Pulley delivering her DoorDash order.
- On March 12, 2026, just two days after Smith started the GoFundMe campaign, it had raised over $500,000.
The players
Richard Pulley
A 78-year-old DoorDash driver who had returned to work after his wife lost her job, in order to supplement their retirement income.
Brenda Pulley
Richard Pulley's wife, who had lost her job and needed the additional income from Richard's DoorDash work.
Brittany Smith
The Tennessee woman who started the GoFundMe campaign after seeing Richard Pulley's doorbell delivery footage.
What they’re saying
“It's taking a lot of pressure off of us... and making life livable once again.”
— Richard Pulley
“I love this man.”
— Brittany Smith, Campaign Organizer
“It's just really difficult to believe that there's that many people that are that generous to try to help us. People that don't even know us.”
— Brenda Pulley
The takeaway
This heartwarming story demonstrates the power of community support and the importance of addressing the financial challenges facing many older adults, even after retirement. It highlights the need for better social safety nets and employment opportunities for seniors.
